Benefits of Ketamine for Chronic Migraines in Lost Altos, CA

While the exact cause of chronic migraines is still unclear, there are some common triggers that have been identified by the medical community.

One of the main factors that can contribute to the development of chronic migraines is genetics, as those with a family history of this condition are more likely to suffer from ongoing migraines.

Environmental factors such as increased levels of stress, sleep deprivation poor-quality sleep, and certain dietary factors can also trigger chronic migraines.

Hormonal changes in women, particularly around the menstrual cycle, are another potential trigger as fluctuating levels can trigger changes in the chemicals in the brain which can lead to migraine pain.

Lastly, physical factors like light, sound, and smells can trigger chronic migraines, with things such as bright lights, loud noises, and strong smells causing sensory overload that triggers migraine pain.

Migraine headaches usually occur in four stages, each with its own unique symptoms and characteristics. The stages are as follows:

• Stage 1: Prodrome. This can begin hours or days before the onset of the headache, and its symptoms are subtle. At this point, a person may experience changes in mood, such as depression or irritability, and they may also experience food cravings, increased thirst and urination, fatigue, neck stiffness, and/or sensitivity to light and sound.

• Stage 2: Aura. This stage occurs in some people who experience migraines but not everyone. It usually lasts for 20-60 minutes before the onset of the headache, and includes visual, sensory, and/or or motor disturbances.

• Stage 3: Headache. This stage is when the migraine headache begins. It typically lasts from 4-72 hours, is usually throbbing in nature, and can be felt on one or both sides of the head. The pain can range from mild to severe and can be accompanied by sensitivity to light, sound, or odors, nausea, and/or vomiting.

• Stage 4: Postdrome. This stage occurs after the headache has ended, often leaving the person feeling drained and/or fatigued. They may also experience sensitivity to light and sound, difficulty concentrating, and/or mood changes.

One of the primary benefits of ketamine for migraine treatment is its fast onset for providing relief. Unlike traditional migraine medications which can take hours to kick in, ketamine can provide significant relief within minutes or even seconds of administration.

Another significant benefit of ketamine is its ability to provide long-lasting relief from migraine symptoms. Many traditional migraine medications are short-acting and require multiple doses, often resulting in rebound headaches or other adverse effects. Ketamine’s long-lasting effects can help reduce the need for frequent medication use, preventing the development of chronic migraines and allowing patients to resume their normal activities.

Ketamine’s ability to reduce inflammation and moderate pain signals in the brain is another important benefit. Ketamine’s multi-targeted approach to pain management makes it a viable option for those who haven’t experienced success with other therapies.

Last but not least, ketamine is a safe and well-tolerated medication, even when used in high doses, which is especially significant for those who may be sensitive or intolerant to other migraine medications.

The studies conducted on using ketamine for chronic migraines in recent years have shown that ketamine helps reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines in patients who don’t respond to other more traditional forms of treatment options.

One of the benefits of ketamine is that it works fast, and it can also help prevent future migraines. Unlike other migraine medications, ketamine is effective within minutes to hours of administration, allowing patients to receive immediate relief from the debilitating pain caused by migraines.

Given that ketamine is relatively fast-acting and can be administered through various routes, it has the potential to change the current treatment landscape for chronic migraines.

If you’d like more information about ketamine treatment for chronic migraines and would like to talk to a specialist, contact us at the Bay Area Ketamine Center or book online to schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience. We serve patients from Los Altos, CA, Sunnyvale CA, Palo Alto CA, Stanford CA, Atherton CA, and Cupertino CA.